How much does Learning Ally cost and reviews

Non-profit organization Learning Ally is an audiobook reading app to help dyslexic, blind, and visually impaired students improve their reading skills. If you’re interested in Learning Ally for reading help, you’ll want to know the cost and what’s included. Keep reading for more information.

Learning Ally pricing and membership benefits

The Learning Ally annual membership cost is $135, and here’s what you get as a member:

• Unlimited access to their audiobook catalog with over 80,000 titles

• Access to their virtual “Spotlight on Dyslexia” conference at a discounted rate. This conference gathers experts in the learning disabilities space and parents to discuss best practices.

• Learning Ally scholarship eligibility to assist in college or graduate school costs

• Access to their special events and courses at a reduced rate

What does Learning Ally do?

Learning Ally supports students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities to improve their reading skills by listening. The platform offers a library of first-class human-narrated literature, textbooks, and teacher resources. These books are intended to help improve comprehension and understanding of the texts instead of focusing on the mechanics of reading. This allows students to develop higher-level critical thinking skills and enjoy what they are reading.

Learning Ally was initially created for blind and dyslexic students. It has evolved to include support for learners below grade level, those with special needs, and other disabilities. It can serve students on 504 and IEP plans as well as RTI and MTSS students without a diagnosis but require additional support.

With Learning Ally, audiobooks can be listened to using an internet-enabled device. Books cover a wide range of genres, including non-fiction, and can be paired with standard print books.

The app is designed for simplicity. It uses symbols instead of words with a layout for easy navigation by students in elementary school. Students can control how the audiobook is read aloud by modifying the reading speed. The text, text highlight, background colors, spacing, and margins can all be customized.

Qualifying for Learning Ally

Learning Ally is for struggling readers. However, not everyone is eligible to become a member. To meet federal copyright law compliance, Learning Ally can create audiobooks by verifying that their members have disabilities. Therefore, this service is only available for children with a documented learning disability, physical disability, or visual impairment. Membership requests must include official proof of disability.

Is Learning Ally legit according to users?

According to the charity assessment organization Charity Navigator, Learning Ally has earned 91% for “Accountability & Finance.” This assesses their financial health (trustworthiness and sustainability) and their loyalty to governance policies and practices.

In addition, here is what some parents had to say about their experience using Learning Ally:

Parent One

Parent One confirmed that documentation such as an official IEP or 504 documents signed by a qualifying clinician should be submitted with a membership request.

Audiobooks can be selected and added to your child’s bookshelf; then, books can be downloaded and accessed from the mobile device. The narration begins automatically once a page is selected. Narration can be paused, rewound, or skipped forward, and the text size and reading rate are also adjustable. All tap and swipe events are confirmed with a tonal prompt for visually impaired children. The text is highlighted as a human voice reads through.

Kids can add a bookmark to hold their place in the book; the narration will pick up from that point once the book is re-opened.

Parent Two

Parent Two says their son has used the Learning Ally app for one year, which has been fantastic. They like that the text is highlighted as it is read aloud, and their son gets excited about the excellent selection of books.

Parent Three

Parent Three said the teachers and parents of dyslexic children and other print disabilities could overcome reading barriers with human-read audiobooks. They believe that Learning Ally has a fantastic reputation for excellence and compassion for struggling readers.

Parent Four

Parent Four says they have two dyslexic children, and Learning Ally has helped to inspire them and give them the desire to read. Reading was once tricky for them, and they now find it fun and ask to read.

Parent Five

Parent Five has been a Learning Ally member since 1982 when it was called “Recording for the Blind.” They like the app and find it intuitive. Exploring the app, adding and removing books from your collection, and the fact that it keeps you logged in are some of the features they enjoy.

Parent Six

Parent Six uses the app in class and enjoys the option to make notes in the book. They think it helps their teacher out.

Parent Seven

Parent Seven says they occasionally experience strange glitchy behavior using the app. For example, it randomly skips sentences and paragraphs or logs them out.

Speechify—A text to speech solution for better learning

Speechify is a text to speech reader and another great solution to support struggling readers. It converts text on web pages, documents, and images of text into audible content. Text is then read aloud while highlighted to help reinforce reading skills with focus and comprehension. Listening to content is made fun since it offers the option to choose from a natural-sounding voice, accent, and even a celebrity voice.

The Speechify app accommodates adults working on professional development as well as middle school children. You can try Speechify for free by installing the iOS app for access via your iPhone or iPad, or the Android app for Android devices. The Chrome browser extension is available for access on your computer or laptop.

Give Speechify a try for free today.

FAQ

Are Learning Ally audiobooks free?

Learning Ally is available free of charge for some schools and districts.

Where can I get Learning Ally?

You can request Learning Ally membership by visiting their official website at: www.learningally.org.